The Promise of Peace

I have had to stay off social media more than normal this
week. There was too much needed discussion about "rape culture" and
"hook up culture". Every time I logged on I felt a weight of
concern for so many women for whom I knew the threads of awareness would be a trigger. Who am
I kidding, I had to check my own emotions as well. I am not typically susceptible
to triggers. The healing I have experienced reaches deep and wide, but every
once in a while old experiences and memories sneak up on me.

Then a singer was slain, and the next morning Orlando. Oh
Orlando, how I wished I had words that in some way, in any way might be
helpful. I wanted to cry out, but for some things there are no words.

In all the stripping away, in the weeping with those who weep,
in the dark night of the soul's grief—when the brokenness of the world has
become too brazen—peace is not completely lost.

In the world you will
have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.~
Jesus (John 16:33)

There is a God who is bigger, a story that looms larger than
the horror, and a peace that meets inner turmoil with the hope that this world
has been overcome. Society breaks down; people suffer (or worse, serve) terror;
there is much that is troubling to the soul. Peace can still be mine. It is
a promise from the Savior who knew that darkness would persistently press in.

Peace does not come from 24-hour security monitoring. It will
not come because I have a gun or live in a home without one. It won't even
visit when the world accepts me just as I am, for peace is an elusive mistress
when it depends on what we can give, buy, or control.

The peace that surpasses understanding comes from a deep
trust in the hope that Christ offers. Hiding in His ability to overcome, and embracing
the freedom of not having to rely on my own strength, keeps me from bearing the
burden of self-preservation.

The Bible includes peace as a fruit of the Spirit. The peace
of Christ is not an emotion human hearts can manufacture or create with
circumstance. Instead, it demands a wild trust willing to risk. It boldly
offers the vulnerability demanded by love as joy grows through grace which offers
life. Peace has been left behind for us as a promise.

Peace I leave with
you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let
not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.~ Jesus (John
14:27)

May your satisfaction in Christ be so deep that bad news on
the global, local, or personal scale doesn't touch the promise of peace gifted to you. When challenges come and triggers tempt toward anxiety, may your heart not be troubled, for you know you belong to the Prince of Peace who has
overcome the world.

~~~Readers, When peace seems far, how do you remember that Jesus is near?

About Us

Welcome to Anchored Voices, a place for women to use their words and creativity to point each other to the God who anchors the soul. Conceived to foster an online community where we can remind one another that when the waves hit—in Jesus, the soul is safe.